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Information Technology

need for complex programming characterize the fifth gen- • Byte: most commonly comprised of 8 bits (combina-
eration of computers, still in the experimental stage. tions of 0s and 1s)
• Kilobyte: 1,024 bytes
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• Megabyte: 1,024 kilobytes or 1 million bytes
PHASES
• Gigabyte: 1,024 megabytes or 1 billion bytes
Information processing involves five phases: input,
process, output, storage, and retrieval. Each of these • Terabyte: 1,024 gigabytes or 1 trillion bytes
phases and the devices associated with each are discussed
Devices used to store data include floppy disks, hard disks,
below.
compact disks (both read-only and disk-recordable),
tapes, PC cards, smart cards, microfilm, and microfiche.
Input. Input refers to information or stimulus that enters
Portable drives (flash drive/jump drive) can also serve as
a system. Input can include commands entered from the
storage devices.
keyboard to data from another computer. Input devices
include the keyboard, pointing devices (such as mouses),
Retrieval. Retrieval is the ability to search for and locate
scanners and reading devices, digital cameras, audio and
information that has been stored. The information can be
video input devices, and input devices for physically chal-
text, sound, images, or data. Information retrieved may
lenged users. Input devices are used to capture data at the include documents, information within documents, and
earliest possible point in the workflow, so that the data are
information within a stand-alone database or hyperlinked
accurate and readily available for processing.
database such as the Internet or intranets.
IT drives the educational, business, medical, and mil-
Processing. Processing occurs after data have been entered
itary worlds. As such, it is imperative that the relationship
into the computer. When data are processed, they are
between and among the phases of IT work seamlessly to
transformed from raw facts into meaningful information.
input, process, display (output), store, and retrieve data.
A variety of processes may be performed on the data, such
Continuous research and development is needed to meet
as adding, subtracting, dividing, multiplying, sorting,
the future needs of the world.
organizing, formatting, comparing, graphing, and sum-
marizing. Data processing includes the input, verification,
organization, storage, retrieval, transformation, and THE FUTURE OF INFORMATION
extraction of information from data. Processing can also TECHNOLOGY
include the execution of a program. The future of IT is promising. People use computers in
new ways every day. Computers are increasingly afford-
Output. Output is information that comes out of a com- able, more powerful, and easier to use. Communication
puter. Four common types of output are text, graphics, needs will continue to grow; the functions of e-mail,
audio, and video. After the information has been instant messaging, Weblogs, and wireless communications
processed, it can be listened to through speakers or a head- will improve as the demands of informational society
set, printed onto paper, or displayed on a monitor. An increase. Daily tasks will continue to be enhanced as more
output device is any computer component capable of con- people use Web-based technologies.
veying information to a user. Commonly used output Potential problems concerning IT center on its deli-
devices include display devices, printers, speakers, head- cate infrastructure. Educational, business, and military
sets, data projectors, fax machines, and multifunction systems are mindful of the underlying foundation neces-
devices. A multifunction device is a single piece of equip- sary to support its respective communities. In fact,
ment that looks like a copy machine but provides the researchers are already hard at work exploring possible
functionality of a printer, scanner, copy machine, and per- solutions to the infrastructure concerns. One solution
haps a fax machine. offered is the creation of a “mobile Internet.” Another
possible solution is the automation of data integration.
Storage. Storage refers to a variety of techniques and What will the future hold for IT? While questions
devices that retain data. Storage devices preserve items exist, one thing is certain: IT will continue to grow and
such as data, instructions, and information for retrieval adapt making life more enjoyable and efficient.
and future use. Storage is measured in a hierarchy of bytes.
SEE ALSO Hardware; Information Processing; Information
• Bit: single unit of data coded in binary form (0 or 1) Technology; Office Technology

390 ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE, SECOND EDITION